Coin selector



April 17, 1934. G. [MD JOHNS COIN SELECTOR Filed Aug. 31, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet l l/w ME/ 70 Qfoge W D. Job/7.5, fir @f/L A ril 17, 1934. s. MCD. JOHNS COIN SELECTOR Filed Aug. 31, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 QT TaRWEY April 17, 1934. G. MOD. JQHNSV 1,955,188

COIN SELECTOR Filed Aug. 51, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 LY TOR Gear 6 M 0 JZfi/m April 17, 1934.

e. M D. JOHNS 1,955,188

COIN SELECTOR Filed Aug. :51, 1931 5 shets sheet 4 I l/EN 7w)? 620:96 M O. fa/m5.

April 17, 1934.

5. M D. JOHNS I 1,955,188

COIN SELECTOR Filed Aug. 51, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 17v MENTOR 6:20:76 M 2 Uta/20.5.

Patented Apr. 17, 1934 UNITEE STATES PATENT OFFIE This invention relates generally to check-controlled apparatus and has particular reference to an automatic coin-measuring device adapted for use especially, though not exclusively, with automatic vending machines and the like.

The chief objects of my invention are to provide an automatic mechanism adapted for selecting and detecting coins and dimensionally differentiating between the same and slugs, counterfeits, or imitations, said mechanism being suitable, in addition, for controlling vending machines, as well as also for use as a coin-tester or distributor, and other like purposes; to provide a machine or apparatus of the type stated with a plurality of coin-responsive devices operable for subjecting a check or coin to particular dimensional tests for distinguishing between acceptable and non-acceptable coins; to provide a mechanism for separating valid or proper coins or checks from invalid or improper coins or checks, whereby the former may be collected suitably for retention in the machine, and the latter cast out or rejected therefrom; to provide a machine of the type stated with a coin-distributing device actuable on operation of a coingauging means responsive to the dimensional characteristics of the coin being gauged; to provide in connection with the machine for visually indicating the acceptance or rejection of a coin; and to generally improve the construction of check-controlled machines and apparatus of the class mentioned.

And with the above and other objects in view, my invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, arrangement, and combination of parts hereinafter described and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings (five sheets) Figure l is a reduced exterior front view of a coin-selecting machine embodying my invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary side sectional view of'the machine, a side wall of the machine-shell being removed to show the interior arrangement and the latching-means for the coin-carrying slide being omitted;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the mechanism, taken approximately along the line 3-3, Figure 2, parts thereof being broken away and the machine-shell or housing removed;

Figure 4 is a rear elevational view of the mechanism, taken approximately along the line 44, Figure 2; r

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken approximately along the line 5-5, Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a side sectional view similar to Figure 2, parts thereof being broken away and the mechanism being shown in partially operated Figures 10 and 11 are similar views, showing different positions of the coin-carrying slide latchingmeans in the operation of the machine;

Figure 12 is a plan view of the coin-carrying slide latching-means; and

Figure 13 is a detail transverse sectional view, showing the circuit-closing member in position for contact-engagement.

Referring now more in detail and by reference characters to the drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of my invention, the operf ating parts of the machine are preferably, for preventing unauthorized manipulation thereof or tampering therewith, housed in a casing or shell 1, which may be of any suitable character, a preferred form being best seen in Figure 1.

The housing or shell front wall is partially re moved to provide a preferably substantially rectangular aperture or opening 2, which is preferably closed by a detachable wall-plate 3 secured to the adjacent margins of the aperture 2 by suitable fastening elements 4.

obliquely projecting outwardly through a transverse slot 5 provided in the plate 3, and at their projecting ends transversely united by a preferably integral base-wall 6, is a pair of laterally spaced opposingly aligned upwardly and, rearwardly inclined channel or C-shaped guides 7, each having a longitudinal triangular flange 8 depending in bracket-like manner from its lower wall, and preferably at its deepest or forward end H edgewise abutting the inner face of the wall 3. Supporting-brackets 9 are secured to the flanges 8 by fastening elements 10 and suitably inturned,

as at 11, for attachment by suitable fastening elements 12 to the inner face of the plate 3.

Exteriorly supported accessibly for customers convenience from, and by means of laterally projecting ears 13 each engaged by a suitable fastening element 14 with, the front or outer face of the wall-plate 3, is a coin-depository which infit cludes a box-like substantially rectangular coinchute 15 provided transversely in its upper closed end with a coin-receiving slot 16. At its lower open end, the chute 15 communicates for coindepositing purposes with the slideway extending between and provided by the spaced guides '7, and, as best seen in Fi ure 2, the side walls of the chute 15 terminate complementary to the slope of the base-plate 6, the front wall of said chute having an apron-like forwardly presented extension 1'7 preferably provided with a coin sight-notch 18 and preferably extending flush with and transversely between the upper walls of the guides '7.

Provided, for manipulative convenience, at its forward end with an upturned finger-pull or handle 19, and fitted for reciprocation at its opposite side margins in the channel-guides '7 for longitudinal shiftable coin-feeding actuation therebetween, is a plate or slide 20, the base-plate 6 of the guides 7 preferably at its forward edge being cut back, as shown in Figure 3, forming an approximately semi-circular notch 60. for convenience in manipulating the slide-plate 20. Disposed fiatwise intermediate the base-plate 6 and the plate 20, is a coin-carrying plate 21 in like manner slidably fitted at its side margins for reciprocation in the channel-guides 'Z. The plate 21 is adapted for shiftable actuation by the plate 20 and, for such purpose, is provided with a medial longitudinal slot 22, working in which, for alternate engagement with its opposite end-walls, is a pin 23 depending for the purpose from the plate 20. Such construction permits an initial relative shiftable actuation of the plate 20 with respect to the plate 21, for a purpose presently appearing.

For coin-depositing purposes, the plate 20 is normally disposed in its extreme forwardly shift ed or Withdrawn position and preferably is provided in its rear marginal portion with a semicircular notch 24. The plate 20 normally at its rear end registers with the front wall of the chute 15 with the notch 2% hence disposed under the apron 17, so as to permit a coin deposited in the chute 15 to gravitationally lodge first edgewise in downwardly sloping engagement with the notch 24 and then reside fiatwise on the rear margin of the plate 21, the latter normally projecting rearwardly a suitable distance from the plate 20 with the pin 23 engaging the front wall of the slot 22, as best seen in Figure 8. It may be here stated that preferably the plates 20-21 and their cooperant parts are sloped upwardly and rear- Wardly in the machine for utilization of the ac tion of gravity, as much as may be convenient, for causing the coin to assume its desired position in the machine.

At its rear side margins, the slide-plate 20 is longitudinally extended to provide a pair of spaced tongues 25 projecting inwardly of the face plate 3, and the top walls of the guides '7 are cut away or recessed, as at 26, rearwardly a suitable distance beyond the plate 3, forming adjacent thereto shoulders 2'7 adapted for impingement by stop-lugs 28, 29, disposed on the projecting ends of the tongues 25, as best seen in Figures 3 and 8, for limiting the outward movement or extension of the plate 20 and hence preventing its unauthorized removal from the machine.

At its rear marginal portion, the plate 21 is provided with a rearwardly projecting shelf 30 adapted, when the plate 20 is rearwardly shifted or advanced for engaging the pin 23 with the rear wall of the slot 22, for providing a support for a coin disposed in the notch 24 during the feeding thereof to the gauging mechanism, presently to be described. The shelf 30 is provided with a depending lug 31 adapted for impinging a part of the machine for limiting the forward or withdrawing movement of the plate 21, and at its opposite rear side margins, the plate 21 is extended to provide tongues 32, projecting rearwardly a suitable distance and each having at its projected rear end an upturned lug 33 adapted for co-operation with a part of the gauging-mechanism, the tongues 32 being also inset from the sides of the plate 21 to form shoulders 33a, all for a purpose shortly appearing.

34 designates a coin-supporting member or frame provided on each side with a pair of projecting lugs 35, the frame 34 being disposed between the guides 7 adjacent the rear end thereof and each lug 35 being suitably, as by fastening elements 36, attached to and beneath the top Wall of the corresponding guide '7, as best seen in Figure 3. For coin receiving purposes, the frame 34 at its forward end is disposed in longitudinal alignment of its top surface with the top surface of the plate 21.

Normally the plates 20, 21, are spaced from the frame 3e, providing a coin-discharging gap therebetween. Said plates, however, are adapted for coin-feeding advance for bridging said gap, the plate 20 being further adapted in such movement for sliding over the frame 34.

Slidably mounted on the upper face of the front or coin-supporting end of the frame 34 and normally forwardly projecting therefrom, is a reciprocable coin-receptive positioning member or plate 3'7 having in its forward marginal portion a semi-circular notch 38 oppositely complementary to, and normally spaced from, but adapted for registration in coin-holding co-operation with, the notch 24 of the coin-feeding plate 20.

The frame 34 at its forward margin has a notch 38a adapted for registration, when the plate 37 is in its forwardly projecting position, with the notch 38. On rearward movement of the plate 3'7, the notch 38, however, is disposed rearwardly of the margins of the notch 38a and thereby provides a ledge, as it may be said, for supporting a coin during the thickness gauging operation, as presently appearing.

The plate 3'7 is mounted on a block 39 guidingly movable in a slot 40 provided longitudinally in the frame 3 1, a retaining-plate 41 being mounted on the underside of the block 39 for slidably engaging the lateral portions of the under side of the frame 34.

Opposed ears or lugs 42 project laterally from opposite sides of the forward end of the plate 37 and are adapted for impingement by the lugs 33, on forward reciprocation of the plate 21, for forward shifting coin-removing or discharging actuation of the plate 3'7, as will later appear, the tongues 25 of the plate 20 being spaced sufficiently to clear the lugs 42.

Upstanding from the opposite sides of the frame 34, is a pair of standards 43, the plate 3'7 being suitably laterally narrowed or reduced for movement between the standards 43 and having opposite lateral shoulders M which, for precise positioning of a coin on the frame 34, are adapted .l

called disposed upon the upper surface of the forward end of the frame 34 upon rearward actuation of the plate 37, is a so-called rninirnum-thickness oscillatory gauging lever extending longitudinally of the frame 34, said lever, for coin responsive oscillation thereof, being pivoted intermediate its ends on a lower transverse shaft 46 mounted through the standards 43. The lever 45 is normally urged or biased in coin gauging position by means of a resilient member or leaf spring loo suitably for the purpose attached adjacent one end to the underside of the lever 45 near the pivotal point thereof for yielding downward engagement at its other or rearward end with the frame at, as best seen in Figure 2.

The lever 45 at its forward end carries a coinengaging shoe 4? and at its rearward end has adjustahly threaded therethrough an insulated depending contact-screw or post 48 normally spaced from, but adapted, on coin-gauging rocking actuation of th lever e5, for co-operative engagement with the upper or yielding arm of a U- shaped resilient spring-contact so, the lower arm of which is insulatahly mounted on a fastening element or post so of conducting material in sulatahly pas d through a boss 51 projecting rearwardly the end cross-rneniber 52 of the frame 34. As stated, the contacts 48, 49, are normally spaced and disengaged; said contacts, however, are adapted for circuit-closing engagement on gauging co-operation of the lever 45 with a coin of more than predetermined minimum thickness.

Also disposed over the frame 34, is a pair of somaximum thi less oscillatory gauging levers each carrying at its forward swingahle end a depending preferably round nosed coinpin or 54. The levers 53 are adapted, as presently appearing, for yielding thickness-gauging gripping co-operation with the particular coin disposed on the upper surface of the frame 34 and are preferably constructed of insulation material. Preferably, the levers 53 are disposed on opposite sides of and above the miniinuin-thickness gauging lever 45, being, for such pivoted intermediate their ends on an upper transverse shaft 55 mounted through the standards 4:3, whereby the levers 53 are adapted for oscillation independently of the lever 4:5 and of other. A pair of resilient members or is mounted on the upper side of the lever 45 for yie'. ing upward engagement of their rearward. ends with the respective levers 53.

Each of levers 53 carries at its hence upwardly urged rear end a respective contact 57 electrically flexibly connected by respective pigtails 57a to the contact 48 of the lever 45 and adapted normally for circuit-closing engagement with respective contact-screws or posts 58 deper gly threaded adiustahly through the uptransverse of inverted U-"haped' frame 59 upstanding from rear member 52 of the frame 24. The contacts 57, 58, of either or both of the levers 53 are normally engaged, but are for circuit-opening movement or disengagement on gauging co-operation of the particu, r lever 53 with coin of greater than maximum thickness.

It may be here stated that the gauging levers 53 are for engagement of their carried fingers 54 with the depressions, or the valleys, as

may be said, of the coin C being measured. In,

this particular, it is well known that most, if not all, coins are embossed, more or less, at their central portions; hence, as best seen in Figure '7, the

function of the gauge-fingers 5 to each independently explore the lateral side or marginal portions of the particular coin C for locating and accurately determining the lowest point of said valleys or depressions of one face of the coin as related to the plane surface of the frame 34; engaged hy the other face of the as the embossed portion of the coin C is generally irregularly shaped, the fingers 5a are independently aotuable, in order that at least one may be engaging a Valley even when the other is engaging a t of the einhossinent.

On the other hand, the gauging lever 45 rneasures with carried shoe r? the height or total thickness of the central or embossed portion of the coin C, it being understood that, each case, the particular coin must he of a certain predeoed standard of sclrness at the valleys and heights to pass the tests imposed upon it by the respective thickness gauges of the machine.

The contact-st 'tches i8, as, and 57, 58, form a part of a coin-responsive electrical selector circuit, the supply of energy to h preferably controlled by a switch arm 60, preferably of conducting inaterial, supported or fixed at forward end to a block 61 of insulating material 'itahly, as by fastening elements 62, attached e oils.

The arm 69 is disposed in longitudinal alignment with, and suitably spaced above, the path of movement of the lug 29 of the slide 20, and disposed for movement longitudinally over one of the slide-guides '7 in operative relation to the switch-arm 6G, is a suitably elongated car or switclvactuator 63 provided on its under face and adjacent its forward with a cain-recess or notch 93 normally en aged by tie lug whereby, on rearward shirtaple actuation of the plate 20, the "car 63 will be correspondingly rear-- wardly shifted relatively to a preferably insulation-block 64 depending from the switch-arm so. On return or forward movement of the slide 20, the lug 2'9 is caused to rid under the forward portion. of the car 63, as presently more fully described, the forward end or nose 9% of bar 63 being lifted or elevated for engagement with the block 64 for, in turn, on continued for actuation of the plate 20, lifting the am. 6G for ciro closing actuation thereof. On such actuation of the arm 69, its movable rearward end is adapted for co-operative circuit-closing engagement with a contact-screw or post 65 adjustahiy threaded through the forward end of a conducting-oar 6e projecting forwardly, and suitably insulated, from the frame 59 for electrical connection with the contact-screws 58.

Included in the selector-circuit of the machine, is an electro-responsive distributor-actuating device which comprises a magnet 67 electrically connected to the terminahcontact so by a lead 68 and to the source of energy mentioned by a suitable lead 69. The magnet 67, in turn, includes a core 10 mounted at its rearward end on a U-shaped frame 71 suitably, as by fastening elements 72, attached by upper to, and depending from, the frame 34:. The magnet core '20, together with the lower leg of the frame '21, which preferably extends forwardly under the magnet winding for forming a part of the path for the magnetic flux thereof, is adapted, on closure of the selector-circuit, for magnetic cooperation with an armature 73 depending from the rearward swingable end of a rockable preferably inverted channel-shaped lever 74 suitably journaled intermediate its ends on a shaft 75 mounted transversely through a pair of brackets 76 depending from the frame 34 preferably in opposed relation to the standards 43.

At its forward end, the lever 74 supports a depending hollow wedge-shaped hopper or swingable coin-chute 77, the rear wall thereof extending obliquely forwardly and downwardly toward the plate 3, and the front wall of the hopper normally being disposed abuttingly against the plate 3. At its open top, the chute 77 is of a substantially rectangular shape and is disposed in coin-receptive position beneath the forward end of the frame 3 for gravity discharge of coins therefrom into the chute 77 on forward actuation of the plate 37 following a thickness-gauging operation of the machine. At its lower end, the chute 77 terminates in a transverse slot 78 adapted for edgewise discharge of a coin from the chute selectively for coin-distributing purposes normally on the forward or reject side of a plate 79. However, responsive to energlzation of the magnet 67, the chute 77 is shifted for discharging the coin on the rearward or accept side of the plate 79, which latter extends rearwardly and obliquely upwardly through an aperture 80 provided in the plate 3 for alignment with the said rear Wall of the chute 77 when the latter is dispose in its said normal forwardly oscillated coin-rejecting position.

The plate 79 forms a preferably integral contlnuation of the back-wall of a reject-coin chute 81 attached by suitable fastening elements 82 to the front side of the plate 3. Preferably the chute 81 is composed of a substantially vertical plate depending below the aperture 80 and having its side margins outwardly inturned forming opposing U-shaped channels 83 adapted for retainingly engaging the margin of a rejected coin, a transverse member 84 extending for stiffening purposes across the front of the chute opposite the aperture 8-0. For presenting a rejected coin conveniently for recovery by the customer after its ejection from the machine, the lower portion of the chute 81 is curved forwardly and downwardly, as at 85, in coin supporting shelf-like manner, the shelf-portion 85 being formed with upstanding side and end walls 86 against which the coin resides after its descent, a finger aperture 87 being provided, if desired, for convenience in removing the coin from the shelf 85.

For biasing the chute 77 in its normal forwardly oscillated coin-rejecting position, a torsion spring 88, disposed around the shaft 75, engages its one end with the lever 74 and its other end with one of the brackets 76, the lever 74 being hence normally tilted for spacing the armature 73 from the pole of the magnet 67, as best seen in Figure 2.

And for retaining the chute 77 in coin-accept ing distributive position, latching means is provided, which includes a depending oscillatory lever 89 pivoted intermediate its ends, as at 90, upon one of the bracket-flanges 8, said lever 89 having on its lower swingable end a rearwardly presented shoulder 91. Also provided at the lower end of the lever 8Q, is a forwardly offset counterweight 92 tending normally, augmented by a spring 92 engaging the lever 89 and the under face of the fixed guide 7, as best seen in Figure 6, to swing the lower end of the lever 89 rearwardly for engaging the shoulder 91 into latching engagement, when the chute 77 is in coin-accepting position, with a stop 92a projecting laterally for the purpose from the lever 74, as best seen in Figure 6. At its upper end, the lever 89 is disposed in the path of the adjacent shoulder 33a of the plate 21, whereby the latter, on the next succeeding coin feeding actuation of the plate 21, will operatively engage the lever 89 for forwardly swinging the lower end thereof and hence releasing the chute 77 for springurged or biased return thereof to coin-rejecting position.

I might add that, when the chute 77 is rearwardly actuated in coin-accepting distributing position, a coin discharged therefrom is retained in the machine and falls most conveniently for collection thereof into the lower portion of the shell 1, access being had thereinto through a suitably locked door at provided for the purpose in the front wall of the housing, as best seen in Figure 1.

In use and operation, the co-operant parts of the machine are normally, that is, when in coindepcsiting position, disposed as best seen in Figures 2, 8, and 9, the plate being in fully extended coin-receiving position, the plate 21 thereunder being likewise in extreme forward coinsupportinr position, the plate 37 being hence forwardly extended from the frame 34, and the switch-bar 53 being engaged at its cam-slot 93 by the lug 29.

if within the predetermined permissible limits of coin diameter and thickness of the particular machine, a coin C deposited in the chute 15 will first reside flatwise on the under plate 21 under the apron 17, fitting edgewise in the notch 24 of the upper plate 20 and a portion of the coin being hence exposed for visual indication that the operation of the machine may be undertaken.

The handle 19 being now manually grasped for the purpose, the plate 20 is rearwardly manipulated until the pin 23 impinges the rear wall of the slot 22, at which time the coin C has been advanced to marginal overhanging position on the shelf of the under plate 21. The plates 2G, 21, now, on further rearward manipulation of the upper plate 29, move together until the coin. C is engaged between the opposing Walls of the respective notches 24, 38, whereupon further rearward movement of the plate 20 causes corresponding rearward actuation of the positioning plate 37 over frame 34. for guiding the coin G into thickness gauging relation with the levers l5, 53, the coin C hence being semi-peripherally supported in definite predetermined position on the margin of the notch 38a. At the same time, the switch-bar 63 is shifted by the lug 29 to position the bar-nose 9e slightly rearwardly of the block 64, and the shoulder 33a engages the latch-lever S9 for unlatching the chute 77, if the same has been previously actuated in coin-accepting direction.

This completes the coin-feeding actuation of the machine, and the plates 20, 21, are now retractingly manipulated. During such movement, the lug 29 is caused, as I have stated, to move out of said cam-slot 93 and liftingly under the forward or nose-portion 94 of the bar 63 for effectas presently more fully appears, circuit-closing actuation of the contact elements 60, 65, which occurs prior to engagement of the pin 23 with the front wall of the slot 22. At such time, if the coin C be of not more than maximum thickness, electrical connection remains established through one or the other, or both, of the contacts 57, 58, of the levers 53, and if the coin be of not less than minimum thickness, the lever has been actuated for circuit-closing engagement of the contacts 48, 49; hence current flow is established through the magnet 67 for attraction of the armature 78 and correspending actuation of the chute 77 into coin-accepting distributing position, the co-opcrant of the machine being then as best seen in Figure 6.

For completing the operation of the machine, the slide 20 is further retractingly or forwardly manipulated, which results in the engagement of the pin 23 with the front wall of the slot 22 for retraction likewise of the plate 21. Such retraction of the plate 21 causes shoulder be disengaged from the latch-l ver 89 for latching the chute 77 in coin-accepting position, which occurs just before the member 63 disengages the switch-arm for opening the selector-circuit. Continued retraction of the plates 29, 21, uncovers the chute 77, the lugs 33 then engaging the plate 37 in forward discharging actuation thereof to normal position, whereby the coin C j is discharged through the space 0 into the chute 77 and passes into the lower portion of the shell 1 for retention therein.

However, if the coin C be of improper dimensions, the selector circuit will be interrupted or fall of establishment at one or more of the gauging switch points, depending upon the particular defect residing in the coin. In such event, the magnet 67 remains de-energized, and the chute 77 likewise remains in its coin-rejecting position to which it was spring-actuated on the unof current in the selector circuit of the machine is established for energizing the magnet 67, with consequent actuation of the chute 77, thus responsively to said current flow, for accepting the perfect or acceptable coin.

..t will, however, be understood that the machine in its use is not confined to gauging coins; on the contrary, the machine as adapted for accurately and effectively gauging other objects, such, for instance, as checks, slugs, and the like capable of dimensional differentiation. Also, by obvious modifications of the machine, checks and coins of other than circular outline may be successfully selected and sorted by the mechanisms described.

I may here point out that the coin is held or gripped by the levers d5, 53, in a definite thickness-gauging predetermined position on the frame 3 1; hence the coin, once deposited on the frame 34, is not disturbed or moved until the thickness of the coin has been measured and its future course through the machine then and there determined.

While not here specifically shown, the present machine may be commercially or operatively associated or hooked up with a vending-machine, counter, visual signal, or the like. The vending or other such machine may be readily included in the electrical circuit of the present machine and its operation effected simultaneously and cooperatively with operation of the magnet 67.

Now, as I have stated, the bar 63 engages the block or for circuit-closing actuation of the contacts 60--65 prior to complete return of the slides 20, 21, to full normal outward position and prior to discharge of the particular coin, whether acceptable or non-acceptable, into the chute 77. If the particular associated vending or other such machine were actuable on each closing of the circuit through the magnet 67, it might hence be d possible to repeatedly, by intermediate actuations of the plate 20, actuate the ng or other so associated machine merely on the deposit or? one coin in the machine. To avoid and pr nt any such eventuality, the plate when pa ially shifted forwardly on return to mal LGS-lti l, is latched against subsequent rearward movement or repeat operation until returned to full normal position for the deposit of a second coin.

Accordingly, a suitably elongated strip is fixed fiatwise adjacent its forward end to the inner face of the lug 29 to extend longitudinally rearwardly in the machine, and fixed at its forward end, as at 96, to the rear end of the strip 95, is an offset longitudinal strip-continuation 97 provided intermediate its ends on its upper face with a suitably elongated cam-recess 98.

Adjacent its rear end, the strip 97 is guidingly disposed in the slot of an upwardly presented U- shaped piece 99 suitably fixed to the frame 59, and fixed to and upon the rear end of the strip 97, is a second upwardly-presented U-shaped piece 100 for loosely guidingly receiving the rear end-portion of the bar 63.

Intermediate its ends, the bar 63 is vertically enlarged, as at 101, and thereby provided with a rearwardly presented shoulder 102, and a forwardly presented preferably rounded shoulder 193.

Also fixed to the frame 59 and loosely embracing the bar 63 for engagement with its shoulder 101, as presently appears, is an inverted U- shaped piece 104.

Formed in the under face of the bar 63 for, cooperation with end-walls of the cam-recess 98, is a cam-projection 105, and provided on the bar 63 in approximately the vertical plane of the cam-projection for latching engagement with the legs of the member 99, is a pair of opposed laterally-projecting pins 106.

Fixed at an end preferably to and upon the member 104, is a forwardly presented leaf-spring 107 adapted for engagement over the shoulder 103 with the bar 63 for yieldingly retaining the bar 63 at its cam-projection 105 in engagement with the strip 97 and the walls of its cam-recess 98.

Upstanding from the opposite sides of the lug 29, is a pair of suitably spaced bar-guiding projections 108, and suitably attached at one end to the plate 29 and at its other end to a pin or the like 109 fixed on the bar 63 intermediate its ends, is a tensional member preferably in the form of a coiled spring 110 for yieldingly returning the bar 63 to its forwardly projected or normal position and for laterally biasing the bar 63, during a portion of its return or forward movement, for riding engagement of a lateral shoulder or lug 111 thereof upon the inner upwardly presented guiding-projection 108.

Immediately rearward of the cam-recess 93, the bar 63 is cut-away on its under face to provide a communicating shouldered recess 112, and fixed on the inner face of plate 3 for engagement with the forward nose-portion 94 of bar 63, is a guidestop 113, the lateral shoulder 111 being disposed on the inner face of bar 63 in approximately the vertical plane of the notch 93.

On full rearward or coin-feeding actuation of the plate 20, the strips 96, 97, are therewith shifted rearwardly, and through its engagement with the lug 29 the loose or relatively floating bar 63 is also shifted rearwardly and its nose-portion 94 then forwardly presented relatively to the switch-arm block 64. In such rearward movement of the bar 63, the enlarged bar-portion 101 moves under the bight' of the member 104 and the pins 106 first ride over the projecting upper ends of the legs of the member 99 and then, under the pressure of the spring 107, latchingly engage the legs of the member 99, so that, on forward or return actuation of the plate 20, the bar 63 is retained, against the returning pull of the spring 110, in full rearward shifted position until the rear wall of the cam-recess 98 engages the cam-projection 105. Thereupon, as the plate is pulled forwardly, the bar 63 is tilted and the pins 106 lifted out of engagement with the member 99, whereupon the bar 63, under the lateral forward pull of the spring 110, is shifted forwardly and laterally inwardly and its lug 111 first carried in bar-nose supporting position upon the inner lug-member i 108', the elevated cam-face 94a of the bar 63, in

such movement, engaging the block 64 and ac tuating the switch-arm into circuit-closing engagement with the contact 65, and then, on continued forward movement of the bar 63 under '1 the returning pull of the spring 110, the bar retracted to normal position nor has the coin C been discharged from the table or plate 34. Should now the plate 20 be again shifted rear- Wardly in an endeavor to improperly actuate the machine, the bar 63 will engage at its shoulder 102'with the member 104, further rearward shifting of the plate 20 to again close the circuit between the contacts 60, 65, being thereby prevented. However, as soon as the plate 20 is shifted to full outward coin-discharging position, the bar 63, being, as described, engaged at its recess 112 with the lug 29, is also now pulled forwardly and engaged at its nose-portion 94 with the cam-stop 113 and relatively rearwardly and laterally shifted thereby, so that, as best seen in Figure 9, when the plate 20 is in full coindischarging position, the cam-projection 105 is disposed in normal engaging position with the front wall of the cam-recess 98 and the bar 63 is again engaged at its cam-slot 93 by the lug 29 for repeated operation.

The several co-operant instrumentalities of the preferred form of the machine having been fully set forth as the description has proceeded, it will be understood that changes and modifications in the form, construction, arrangement, and combination of the several parts of the machine may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described: without departing from the nature and ,1 principle of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what 1 claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, gauging-means comprising a coin-support within the shell, 2. coin-receiving plate shiftable relatively to the shell and coinsupport and normally spaced from the coin-support for providing a coin-discharge gap therebetween, and means co-operable with said plate for feeding the coin over the gap and ilatwise upon the coin-support.

2. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, a coin-support within the shell, a coin-receiving plate shiftable relatively to the shell and coin-support and normally spaced from the coin-support for providing a coin-discharge therebetween, and means comprising a second shiftable plate having actuating connection with the first plate for feeding the coin from the gap and fiatwise upon the coin-support.

3. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, ashell, gauging-means comprising a coin-support within the shell, and means for depositing a coin flatwise on the support, said means comprising a first shiftable member for edgewise engaging the coin, and a second shiftable member adapted for co-operation with the first member for flatwise supporting said coin, said members having connection for effecting actuation of the second member in coin-feeding direc tion after initial actuation of the first member.

4. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, gauging-means comprising a coin-support within the shell, and means for depositing a coin fiatwise on the support, said means comprising a first shiftable plate having a notch for edgewise engaging the coin, a longi tudinally slotted second shiftable plate adapted for co-operation with the first plate for flatwise supporting the coin, a pin on the first plate working in the slot of the second plate for eifecting actuation of the second plate subsequent to initial actuation of the first plate, guides on the shell for supporting the plates for actuation, and a chute for depositing the coin on the second plate for edgewise engagement with the notch of the first plate.

5. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, coin-gauging means comprising a coin-support within the shell, and reciprocatory means comprising opposed members normally' spaced in the same plane for engaging the coin for, on movement in one direction, depositing the same on said support, one of said mem bers, on movement in the other direction, moving over the support for discharging the deposited coin therefrom.

6. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, coin-gauging means comprising a coin-support within the shell, and means for successively feeding a coin to, and removing the same from, said support, said means including a second coin-support reciprocatory in the plane of the first coin-support, and a pair of opposed plates normally spaced for coin-engagement and reciprocatory in a plane above the plane of said supports.

7. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, coin-gauging means comprising a coin-supporting frame within the shell, and means for successively feeding a coin to and removing the same from the frame, said latter means comprising a first shiftable positioning member, a second shiftable member normally spaced from, and adapted for coin-carrying advancing movement toward, the first member, and a third member having actuating connection with the second. member for advancing the same in coin-positioning co-operation with the first memher.

8. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in comination, a shell, coin-gauging means comprising a coin-supporting frame within the shell, and means for successively feeding a coin to and removing the same from the frame, said latter means comprising a first shiftable positioning member, a second shiftable member normally spaced from, and adapted for coin-carrying advancing movement toward, the first member, and a third member for actuating the second member in coin-positioning co-operation with the first member, said first and second members having connection for effecting actuation of the first member in coin-removing direction. after initial actuation of the second member in such direction and said second and third members having connection for actuation of the second member on actuation of the third member.

9. Coin-selecting apparatus includin in com bination, a shell, a coin-gauging support within the shell, and means for successively feeding a coin to and removing the same from the support, said means including a first shiftable notched positioning plate, a second shiftaole plate normally spaced from, and adapted for coin-carrying advancing movement toward, the first plate, a third shiftable complementally notched plate for actuation of the second plat in coin-positioning co-operation with the first plate, tongues on the second plate having engage rent with the first plate for effecting coin-removing actuation thereof on corresponding movement of the second plate, and a connection between the second and third plates for effecting actuation of the second plate on actuation of the third plate.

10. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in com bination, a shell, a coin-supporting member within the shell, means for gauging co-operation with the coin supported on said coin distributing means including a chute for receiving a coin discharged from said member, and means comprising a pair of plates normally spaced for providing a coin-discharge therebetween for successively placing a coin in gaugincluding,

with a coin supported on said Jame, coin distributing means including a chute for receiving a coin discharged from the frame, a member shiftahle over the frame for successively pla a coin in gauging position on the frame removing the coin from the frame for 01" into the chute, and means actuaole for (30- tion With the, positioning member for both positing a coin on and removing from the frame, said latter means being norm y spaced from the positioning member providing a coin-discharging gap therebetwcen into the chute.

12. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, coin gauging means comprising a coin-supporting frame within the shell, means comprising a pair of operably connected plates for successively depositing a coin on, and removing the same from, the frame, said plates when in coin-removing actuation having a col a coin-supporting frame wit discharge gap therebetween, an oscillatory coinreceiving chute within the shell for receiving a coin discharging through said gap, said chute being normally disposed for discharging a contained coin oin-rejecting direction, and coin responsive means actuaole for oscillating the chute in coin-accepting direction.

13. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, coin gauging means coznprising a coin-supporting frame within the shell, comprising a pair of operably connected plates for successively depositing a coin on, and removing same from, the frame, said plates when in. coin-removing actuation having a coindi charge gap therebetween, an oscillatory coinreceiving chute Within the shell for receiving a coin discharging through said gap, means for biasing the chute in coin-rejecting dir ction, coin-responsive means operable for actuating the chute in coin-accepting direction, and means for latch the chute in coin-accepnng direction.

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Coin-selecting apparatus including, in ination, a shell, coin-gauging means comshell,

1.. means comprising a pair of operaoi connects plates for successively depositing a coin on, and removing the same from, the frame, plates when in coin-removing actuation having a coindischarge gap therehetween, means Within the 1;: shell comprising an oscillatory coin-receiving chute biased in coin-rejecting direction for receiving a coin-discharging through the for distributing the same, and coin-selecting means responsive to said gauging means or actuating 1 the ch .te in coin-accepting direction.

15. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, coin-gauging means com-- prising a coin-supporting frame within the means comprising a pair of operably connected A plates for successively depositing a coin on, and removing the same from, the frame, plat J when in coin-removing actuation having a coindischarge gap therebetween, means within the shell comprising an oscillatory coin-receiving l chute biased in coin-rejecting direction for rcceiving a coin-discharging through the gap for distributing the latching means normally actuaole for retaining the chute in coin-accepting posit n, and means actuahle by coin feeding and removing means on coin feeding actuation thereof for releasably actuating the latching means.

15. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, coin-gauging means com-- prising a coin-supporting frame within the shell, comprising a pair of operaloiy connected plates for successively depositing coin on, and removing the same from, the frame, said plates when in coinremoving actuation having coindischarge gap therebetween, means within the shell comprising an oscillatory coin-receiving chute biased in coin-rejecting direction for receiving a coin-discharging through the gap for distributing the same, and coin selecting means responsive to said gauging means for 'ctua'ting the chute in coin-accepting direction, said selecting-means including an electrical circuit and a source of energy therefor, a normally open switch in said circuit associated with the gauging means, and instrumentalities actuaole by the coin-feeding and removing means for closing the circuit through the switch.

17. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, coin gauging-means comprising a coin-supporting frame Within the shell, means comprising a pair of operably connected plates for successively depositing a coin on, and removing the same from, the frame, said plates when in coin -removing actuation having a coindischarge gap therebetween, means comprising an oscillatory coin-receiving chute normally biased in coin-rejecting direction for receiving a coin-discharging through the gap for distributing the same, and coin-selecting means responsive to the gauging means for actuating the chute in coin-accepting direction, said selectingmeans comprising an electrical circuit and a source of energy therefor, a normally open switch in said circuit associated with the gauging means, a magnet in said circuit for energization on closure of the circuit, an armature responsive to magnet and having operative connection with said chute, and instrumentalities actuated by the coin-feeding and removing means for closing the circuit through the switch.

18. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, an electrical circuit comprising a pair of normally spaced contacts disposed in the shell, coin-gauging means comprising a coin-support in the shell, shiftaoie means movable in one direction for depositing a coin on, and then reversely movable for removing the coin from, the support, and mechanism associated with the feeding and removing means for engaging the contacts for closing the circuit following deposit of a coin on the support.

19. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, an electrical circuit comprising a pair of normally spaced contacts disposed in the shell, coin-gauging means comprising a coin-support in the shell, reciprocatory means COmpllSlll" co-operable plates reciprocatorily shiftable for depositing, on movement in one direction, a coin on, and on movement in the opposite direction, removing the deposited coin from, the support, and mechanism associated with the feeding and removing means for engaging the contacts for closing the circuit on return movement of the feeding means.

20. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, an electrical circuit comprising a pair of normally spaced contacts disposed in the shell, coin-gauging means comprising a coin-support in the shell, means comprising co-operable plates reciprocatorily shiftable for depositing, on movement in one direction, a coin on, and on movement in the opposite direction, removing the deposited coin from the support, and mechanism associated with the feeding and removing means comprising a loosely mounted shiftable member for engaging the contacts for closing the circuit on return movement of the feeding means.

21. Coin-selecting apparatus including. in combination, a shell, an electrical circuit comprising a pair of normally spaced contacts disposed in the shell, coin-gauging means comprising a coin-support in the shell, mechanism comp 'ising co-operable plates reciprocatorily shiftable for depositing, on movement in one direction, a coin on, and on movement in the opposite direction, removing the deposited coin from the support, a rigid extension on said mechanism, a oar having floating relation with and shiftable relatively to said extension, and co-operable instrumentalities on the bar and extension for shifting the bar for effecting circuit-closing engagement of the contacts on return movement of said mechanism.

22. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, an electrical circuit comprising a pair of normally spaced contacts disposed in the shell, coin-gauging means com prising a coin-support in the shell, comprising co-operable plates reciprocatorily shiftahle for depositing, on movement in one direction, a coin on, and on movement in the opposite direction, removing the deposited coin from the support, a rigid strip-extension on the feeding means, a bar having floating relation with and shiftaoly rela tively to the extension, a latchingconnection be tween the bar and the extension for effecting movement of the bar jointly with the extension on movement of said mechanism in coin-depositing direction, co-operable instrumentalities on the bar and extension for disengaging the latching connection and shiftably actuating the bar relatively to the extension for efiecting circuitclosing engagement of the contacts on return movement of said mechanism, and a spring for yieldingly shifting the bar in return direction.

23. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, coin-gauging means comprising a coin-support within the shell, means comprising co-operable plates reciprocatorily shiftable for feeding a particular coin to and removing the sarne from the support, and mechanism for preventing repeat full actuation of said latter means until removal of the particular coin from the support.

24. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in combination, a shell, coin-gauging means comprising a coin-support within the shell, mechanism comprising co-operable plates reciprocatorily shiftable for feeding a particular coin to and removing the same from the support, a bar shiftable in the shell, a latch-connection operable for engaging the bar with said mechanism on movement thereof in coin-feeding direction, and a stop in the path of feeding movement of the bar subsequent to partial return of the bar in nonfeeding-direction for preventing repeat full actuation of said mechanism until removal of the particular coin.

26. Coin-selecting apparatus including, in com bination, a shell, coin-gauging means comprising a coin-support within the shell, mechanism comprising co-operable plates reciprocatorily shiftable for feeding a particular coin to and removing the same from the support, a loosely mounted longitudinally and laterally shiftable bar in the shell, a latch-connection operable for engaging the bar with said mechanism on movement thereof in coin-feeding direction, a stop in the path of longitudinal movement of the: bar subsequent to partial return of said mechanism in non-feeding direction for preventing full actuation of said mechanism until removal of the particular coin, a spring for yieldingly laterally biasing and returning the bar to normal position, and a second stop for laterally shifting the bar out of engaging relation with the first stop on return of said mechanism to normal feeding position.

GEORGE MOD. JOHNS. 

